There are plenty of options for temporary wall solutions. You could paint or stencil any wall in your space to achieve the look you want. But what if that look includes wallpaper? You saw an image of a wallpapered room and just can’t get it out of your head. Typically, wallpaper is a slightly permanent and expensive design choice. With some fabric, cornstarch and water, this look is now within your reach. It’s very easy to do and, most importantly, temporary!
A homemade recipe of cornstarch paste is used to attach the fabric to the walls. It adheres very strongly once the paste is dry. The good news is that with some gentle tugging and a little water, the fabric comes right off your walls!
The first step is making the cornstarch paste that will act as your glue.
1. Boil 4 cups of water.
2. Mix 3/8 of a cup of cornstarch with enough water to dissolve the powder.
3. Slowly add the cornstarch mix to boiling water, stirring constantly.
4. Lower the temperature, boil and stir until the mixture has the consistency of a thick gravy.
5. Allow the paste to cool.
Tip: Allow the paste to cool in a glass dish that can also be used as the “painting tray”. This makes for a faster cooling time and easier cleanup. Any leftover paste can simply be thrown away. The mixture dissolves with hot water, so cleanup is a snap.
While the paste is cooling, you can align your fabric on your wall. Center your pattern and make sure everything is level. Leave enough fabric at the top and bottom to trim off later when everything is dry. The cornstarch paste does cause the fabric to constrict a bit, so you’ll need to leave room for that. Use nails to hang the fabric up and keep in place. Do not hammer the nails all the way in, just enough to hold the fabric in position. When the fabric is applied and everything is dry, the nails can be removed.
Tip: The best time to cut around any switch plates or sockets is when the fabric is totally dry. It cuts like thick paper with a sharp X-ACTO blade!
Use a foam brush to begin applying the cornstarch paste to the very top and corners of your wall. A foam roller brush can be used for the larger sections. Smooth out any bubbles as the fabric is laid out over the paste. Use an old credit card to seal down the corners and edges.
Tip: Apply the paste directly to your walls, starting in the center. Work towards the outer edges of your panel of fabric. If applying fabric to a large section of wall, do one panel at a time by lining up the pattern.
Let everything dry overnight. Once completely dry, you can trim the top, bottom and any outlets, sockets and doorways. The excess fabric can be gently pulled off the wall. Make sure to use a fresh X-ACTO blade to get the sharpest cut!
When you get tired of the look, you can gently pull it off the wall. You will need to use a damp sponge to clean off any cornstarch paste residue. This process works on any type of fabric from thin cotton to upholstery fabric (as was used in this space). It is recommended you wash the fabric beforehand so colors do not run. Upholstery fabric is on the heavier side yet holds up perfectly with the cornstarch paste. This is a fun and easy decorating solution for so many spaces: a child’s bedroom, an accent wall or even a closet! If you want something easy, temporary and gorgeous all at the same time, this is the DIY project for you!
